Institutional Advancement Communications EDGE Intern

INSTITUTIONAL ADVANCEMENT COMMUNICATIONS EDGE INTERN

About the Converse EDGE Internship Program

The Converse EDGE Internship Program provides students with meaningful, career-connected experiences that integrate professional skill development with hands-on workplace learning. Through mentorship, reflection, assessment, and practical application, EDGE Interns develop the career readiness competencies employers seek while making valuable contributions to campus departments and programs.

Position Description

The Institutional Advancement Communications EDGE Intern supports strategic communications, storytelling, and engagement initiatives that connect alumni, donors, students, and friends of Converse University. Working closely with Institutional Advancement staff, the intern contributes to social media campaigns, promotional materials, alumni engagement efforts, event communications, and stewardship initiatives.

This position provides hands-on experience in communications, marketing, nonprofit engagement, content creation, audience segmentation, and campaign development while helping advance the university's alumni relations and philanthropic goals.

Professional Development Outcomes (What You Will Gain)

By participating in this internship, students will:

• Develop professional communication and storytelling skills across digital, print, and social media platforms.
• Gain experience creating content for diverse audiences, including students, alumni, donors, and community stakeholders.
• Build skills in campaign planning, audience engagement, and nonprofit communications.
• Strengthen project management, creativity, research, and collaboration skills through deadline-driven work.
• Develop a portfolio of communications materials, campaigns, and projects that demonstrate creativity, strategic thinking, and execution.

Key Responsibilities

Communications & Content Creation

• Create social media content, videos, graphics, and promotional materials that support Institutional Advancement initiatives.
• Design flyers, digital communications, invitations, and marketing materials using Canva and other communication platforms.
• Interview students, alumni, and other stakeholders to develop engaging stories and content.
• Assist in creating communications that promote alumni engagement, philanthropy, and university events.

Campaigns & Audience Engagement

• Support communications and engagement efforts related to alumni relations, giving initiatives, and signature university events.
• Research trends, ideas, and best practices related to donor engagement, alumni outreach, and campaign development.
• Assist in developing surveys and gathering feedback from alumni and other stakeholders.
• Contribute to communications and engagement initiatives from concept development through implementation and evaluation, helping strengthen storytelling, outreach, and audience engagement across the Converse community.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

EDGE Interns gain hands-on experience in communications, marketing, content creation, alumni relations, nonprofit engagement, campaign development, and event promotion.

Project opportunities may include social media campaigns, alumni surveys, giving initiatives, event communications, audience engagement strategies, and other communications projects that support Institutional Advancement goals.

Career Readiness Competencies Developed

Communication

• Create professional written, visual, and digital communications for a variety of audiences and purposes.

Teamwork

• Collaborate with university staff, students, alumni, and community partners on communications and engagement initiatives.

Critical Thinking

• Analyze audience needs, evaluate communication strategies, and contribute ideas that strengthen engagement efforts.

Leadership

• Demonstrate initiative and ownership while managing projects and contributing to strategic communications initiatives.

Professionalism

• Meet deadlines, manage multiple projects, and represent the university professionally in all communications.

Career & Self-Development

• Explore careers in communications, marketing, public relations, nonprofit leadership, alumni relations, and advancement.

Equity & Inclusion

• Develop communications that engage and connect diverse audiences across the Converse community.

Technology

• Utilize Canva, social media platforms, Google Forms, DonorPerfect, Constant Contact, and other digital communication tools.

Qualifications

• Enrolled Converse University student in good academic standing.
• Sophomore, junior, or senior standing preferred.
• Communications and Media Studies, Business, or other motivated students from any major are encouraged to apply.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Creative, detail-oriented, and self-motivated.
• Strong critical thinking and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines.
• Ability to work collaboratively while taking initiative on assigned projects.
• Professional demeanor and willingness to learn.

Physical Requirements & Work Environment

• Standing for extended periods.
• Lifting and carrying materials.
• Participation in event setup and breakdown activities.

Supervision, Mentorship & Evaluation

EDGE Interns receive ongoing coaching, mentorship, and feedback throughout the academic year. Supervisors provide guidance on communications strategy, audience engagement, project management, professional development, and workplace expectations.

As part of the Converse EDGE Internship Program, interns participate in a structured assessment process designed to measure growth in career readiness competencies and professional development.

Position Details

• Position Type: EDGE Intern
• Department: Institutional Advancement
• Duration: Fall 2026 and Spring 2027
• Pay Rate: $12.00 per hour
• Schedule: Determined in coordination with the supervisor
• Positions will remain open until filled. Hiring timelines vary by department, and some supervisors may move more quickly through the interview and selection process than others. Early application is encouraged.